Leading the presentation Jamie Reed, Chairman of West Cumbria Strategic Forum Cumbria Partners and MP for Copeland, outlined the 2027 vision to transform West Cumbria into a world class centre for excellence in energy and environmental technologies. The Masterplan will help create 16,000 jobs, give the Cumbrian economy a £700 million boost and help Cumbria to make a significant contribution towards the Government’s response to climate change.

The Masterplan is a direct response to the challenges and opportunities presented by decommissioning the Sellafield nuclear power station, which is expected to have a huge impact on the West Cumbrian economy and the County economy as a whole. It is a far reaching programme that includes new business parks, a national academy for nuclear skills, a new hospital and major improvements to transport links and housing.

At meeting Mr Darling suggested the need for further discussions to take place between the relevant central Government departments and the West Cumbrian Partners to explore the individual components of the master plan in more detail. The Cumbria Partners will now fine tune the master plan in preparation for the final bid for Government funding in the autumn.

Tony Cunningham, MP for Allerdale said, ‘The Energy Coast plan is a strong partnership between West Cumbria and the Government and represents a good model for the rest of the country.’

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive adds, ‘The NWDA is committed to the development of the West Cumbria Spatial Masterplan, which is identified in the Regional Economic Strategy as a key priority. Designed to ensure the area is ready to grasp the opportunities offered by nuclear decommissioning, the programme will help the local economy to successfully adapt to the decline in employment at the Sellafield site.’